Eliminating Bad Breath
Whether you’re at school or on a date, there’s nothing more important than dental hygiene. After all, first impressions are lasting ones. However, the worst part is that when you fail to attend to said hygiene, people normally don’t tell you. When you have bad breath, for example, not only might you be unaware of it, but others will brush it off and keep their thoughts to themselves. This generally makes it more embarrassing, and it causes you to be more self-conscious as well. Speaking of which, there are plenty of reasons why you might have bad breath. When was the last time you went to a dentist? What foods have you been eating lately? Overall, here are a few causes of bad breath, and some solutions for dealing with it.
#1. Tonsil Stones
Many people have had problems with their tonsils. What they may have never had, however, are pieces of food lodged in their lymphoid tissue. Sometimes when you eat, food and other debris gets stuck in the “craters” of your tonsils, and it builds up over time. In the long run, not only can this cause you to have a bad taste in your mouth, but more importantly, it also causes bad breath. If you don’t clean the pockets of your tonsils on a regular basis, this can lead to serious problems.
However, what’s the best way to get rid of this junk? Having your tonsils removed gets rid of the problem permanently, but there are temporary solutions as well. First of all, make sure to brush your teeth and tongue on a regular basis. After all, it’s not just the food you chew and swallow that gets in the pockets of your tonsils. Any remaining debris left in your mouth or on your tongue, could get lodged in there as well. Second of all, you should also gargle with salt and warm water, as it helps to loosen food and other junk in the folds of your lymphoid tissue.
#2. Lack of Flossing
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is important, no doubt. What many people neglect to do, however, is floss on a regular basis as well. Considering food gets stuck in between your teeth when you eat, you certainly don’t get everything out, no matter how many times you brush. Eventually, this food starts rotting and you get a build up of plaque. Not to mention this can lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis.
Not only should you floss right after you brush your teeth, but visit your local dentist regularly as well. While it’s important you take care of your teeth, don’t forget that dentists are the professionals. Not only do they have all the proper tools to ensure you have excellent dental hygiene, but they can also give you recommendations on ways you can personally improve your dental hygiene. For example, they might give you a bottle of Listerine, tell you to brush more regularly, and even schedule a regular checkup every few months.
#3. Eating the Wrong Foods
Sometimes, your bad breath may not be due to tonsil stones or even bad dental hygiene. More often than not, it’s directly linked to what you eat. Foods with a strong smell not only cause bad breath, but it can also give people the wrong impression that you lack proper dental hygiene. As an example, the last thing you want to do before going out on a date, is to eat a meal that contains lots of garlic and onions. Not only are they some of the strongest vegetables, but even brushing your teeth multiple times may not get rid of the smell completely. As another example, if you just ate a crunchy snack that produces a strong smell (such as different flavored potato chips), brush your teeth afterwards. Especially if you plan on going out in public. Overall, take your diet into consideration if you’re concerned about bad breath. After all, it may not always be because you lack proper dental hygiene.
For more useful tips about your general oral health, feel free to contact us today at Hinsdale Dental. We look forward to hearing from you, and assisting you in the best way possible.
Return to Blog